Percutaneous CT-guided diagnostic puncture in abdominal pathology

Technological improvements (short-time acquisition and reconstruction CT, s piral technique) together with better puncture material and a general trend towards less invasive surgical procedures have had a combined effect to a wider scope of applications for percutaneous punctures under CT-guidance. I n this paper, we analyze and discuss recent data in the literature on punct ure material, indications and results. The relevant choice of the needle mo del and its diameter, depending on the organ and suspected pathology, as we ll as the point of entry and the puncture track are key factors granting pr ocedure safety, ambulatory use and good diagnostic results.